(infallible logic)

Today I briefly apologized to my class of second graders for a couple of sub-par sentences--something that happens every once in a while as I try to teach in another language. Most of the time it's just a hesitation over article gender or a lazily pronounced "ue" sound (say eeee with your lips stretched apart and gradually bring the corners into a tiny "o" shape while continuing the sound). My philosophy is to be unashamed and up-front about these mistakes, taking the opportunity to remind the kids that I, too, am doing the frustrating work of making strange sounds and that we're all in the same, awkward boat during English class. Today was a bit different though, as I was offered a very simple explanation for my difficulties.

Simon, one of those kids who always has something very urgent and very off-topic to share, bounced up and down with his finger up (French kids raise their index fingers rather than their hands) until I called on him.

-Yes, Simon?
-I know why you couldn't find your word today, maîtresse.
-Is that so?
-Yes, it's because you have an accent.
-I think you're right. Thanks, now moving on...

You can't argue with that kind of logic!

However, one type of logic I would perhaps prefer to dispute was that of the woman at the bakery today. After I ordered my sandwich, she indicated the (I'm guessing) 10-year old boy behind me in line and followed up my order with:

-Et pour votre fils?

That means, "And for your son?" Now, it could just be vanity on my part, but I have always assumed I looked about my age, give or take. It was a shock, being mistaken for someone who could be the mother of a kid who's been around since I was 12!